Highlights
- 1 of just 100 made
- Presented in excellent condition
- MOT to November 2023
- Tastefully upgraded and modified
The Appeal
Porsche’s 944 is rapidly becoming appreciated for the excellent sports car it is. The front engined, rear-drive layout may have been contentious amongst 911 fans, but it offered a balanced and dynamic driving experience. With the addition of the Turbo model to the range, that fine handling and smart design was accompanied by a healthy slug of power.
This Turbo Cabriolet comes from right at the end of the 944’s production cycle. Built only for markets outside the US and Canada, just 625 were made, with only 100 of those in right hand drive. That makes this a very rare car, and it’s presented in lovely condition with some tasteful upgrades. We think this sought after machine is sure to become even more desirable.
The History and Paperwork
- Built in late 1991
- 1 of just 100 right hand drive models built
- From the final year of production
- First registered in January 1992
- 6 owners from new, current owner for the last 13 years
- 82,792 miles, verified by service and MOT history
- Fully documented ownership and maintenance history
- 944 literature included
- Dry stored through the winter months
- High specification with a number of options
- Service history is a mix of main dealer and specialist
- 2x keys and 2x immobiliser fobs
- Last service was in April 2022 with timing, tension rollers, PAS and AC belts done
- Current MOT to 5th November 2023
- Only selling due to ill health
The Interior
- Classic grey upholstery (leather front seats, leatherette rear)
- Electrically operated seats, windows and door mirrors
- 968 Clubsport steering wheel (original steering wheel included)
- Factory option air-conditioning
- Alpine CD/Radio with factory-fitted additional amplifier
With the grey upholstery and matched carpets, the cabin of this 944 is very calming. All of the upholstery looks to be in very good order, with light signs of wear from use, but no damage, tearing or significant sagging we could identify. The vendor is including a half cowhide section of leather with the car to ensure the upholstery's colour compatibility for any future repairs
The carpets and complementary Porsche overmats are similarly presented well, with no notable staining or damage we could see.
Looking at the dashboard and internal trims, everything looks in very fine fettle, with no cracking or UV damage that we noticed. All the switchgear appears to be complete, while the controls and instruments look to be clear and legible. There is some light wear to some of the controls, as you'd expect, but overall it looks to be in excellent condition for its age and mileage.
We’re told by the vendor that everything works as it should in the cabin, with no issues that they are aware of. The AC was never used but may need regassing
Even with the roof down, the boot is quite commodious, offering a useful space that’s nicely trimmed with grey carpet. The original toolkit, compressor and spare wheel are present and correct too.
The Exterior
- Guards Red paintwork, recently refreshed
- Sonnenland OEM quality mohair replacement fabric roof
- Refurbished Porsche ‘Turbo Twist’ alloy wheels
- 968 style rear bumper, lights and door handles
Finished in classic Guards Red paintwork, this 944 presents very well indeed. As Guards Red can suffer from fading over time, the vendor had the paintwork refreshed just two years ago. As such, it looks to be in very good condition indeed. To ensure the longevity of the finish, this year they have had the paintwork professionally ceramic coated.
Overall the body is in excellent condition too. The rear bumper has been replaced with a ‘wraparound’ 968 style item, complete with lights. This did not require any cutting to the wings, and the original parts are included with the sale, so should the new owner wish to return the car to stock, this should be a relatively simple exercise. As part of their regular upkeep, and to keep the car in the finest possible condition, the owner has also had new OEM outer sills and lower wing panels fitted.
A few years back, the fabric roof was replaced with an ‘OEM quality’ unit from Sonnenland by W A Ramsay Coachtrimmers. As such, it looks to be in very good order, with no signs of UV fading or tearing that we could observe. We’re informed it operates well, raising and lowering smoothly.
The wheels are recently refurbished ‘Turbo Twist’ 17” 5-spoke alloys, all looking to be in very good condition, with no kerbing or lacquer peel evident. They’re shod in nearly new Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres that the owner tells us have only covered a couple of hundred miles.
We’re assured that the underside of the car is in “excellent” condition, with no evidence of damage or corrosion.
The Mechanics
- 2,479cc K26/8 turbocharged 4-cylinder
- Manual 5-speed transmission
- 40% limited slip differential (option code 220)
- Aftermarket ECU and boost controller
- New stainless steel Powerflow exhaust
- Optional headlight levelling and headlight wash system
- Laserline alarm and immobiliser
- Cared for by the well regarded Porsche Specialists, Brian Miller Motors and Motortune
The 944 Turbo Cabriolet was fitted with the more powerful engine from the ‘Turbo S’ coupé, offering a very healthy 250bhp as standard. This particular example benefits from a new ECU and boost controller, which the vendor tells us results in an output of 293bhp and 333lb-ft.
Under the bonnet, the engine bay looks very clean and tidy, with no signs of leaks or overheating we could see. With a comprehensive service history and good MOT record, it should be good for many thousands of miles yet. The vendor tells us that, during their ownership, the car has been cared for by Porsche specialist Motortune.
Helping the engine to breathe properly, a new stainless steel Powerflow exhaust has been fitted, and the owner also tells us that all of the brakes have been refurbished. We’re told that at 70,000 miles a new LUK clutch, bushes, seals, fixed brake pipes, flexi pipes, discs, pads and handbrake shoes as well as fixed fuel lines were also fitted. We’re told that all work is well documented.
Also fitted at the same time was a new rear panel under the battery (replaced due to corrosion), new cambox gasket, rear cork gasket, front engine seals, rear axle mount bushings, water pump, belts, tensioners and rollers.
Then, at 82,000 miles, the vendor tells us that the callipers were all refurbished and repainted, while the front ARB was powder coated and the cambelt, balance shaft belt and all applicable rollers were replaced.
We’re assured by the owner that the car drives exceptionally well, with no unwanted noises, no smoke under load and no leaks.
Summary
Make no mistake about it, this is a genuinely rare and collectible machine. With just 100 right hand drive models made and, according to ‘How Many Left’ fewer than 30 still on the road, there’s not much danger of turning up in the same car as someone else.
It’s clearly been very well cared for, meticulously maintained and sympathetically modified, making it a superb option for anyone after a cherished example. Perfect for shows, sunny weekend drives and epic road trips, this is a lovely modern classic that we believe is sure to appreciate.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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